Journey Through a Sample of Ecuador’s Extraordinary Natural Realms
Embark on an adventure through three of the planet’s most awe-inspiring landscapes:
the Andes, the Cloud Forest, and touch a jewel of the Amazon.
Our expert naturalists will introduce you to the beauty of South America on a journey specially crafted for mature travelers who seek wonder, connection, and ease. From the lush Andean Choco Cloud Forest and the majestic Andes to the remote Tropical Rain Forest of the Cuyabeno Reserve. This journey offers nature at its most breathtaking—enjoyed at your rhythm.
Experience gentle walks through landscapes full of wilderness, ride a horse at the shadow of Cotopaxi, pause at panoramic viewpoints, take in wildlife encounters that feel like a step back in time and rest in thermal springs before your flight back home. Every detail has been designed to interact with local living: comfortable accommodations, delicious home-style cuisine, and the support of experienced guides who are there to enrich your journey and ensure your well-being every step of the way.
This is not just a trip—it's a soulful, enriching experience. Feel all with the ease and care you deserve.
Travel in comfort. Discover at your pace. Remember it forever.
Van / 4WD
Legal licensed naturalist
All activities described in the mainland plan
Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tips are welcome!!!
The Warmest Welcome to Quito, Ecuador
Your journey begins with a warm greeting from our friendly guide upon arrival at the airport. From there, we’ll head to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax. Along the way, your guide will share essential information about the itinerary
Arrival in Quito and immediate Transfer to Mindo
Overnight in Mindo
Cabañas Armonía or similar
Quito: First City Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Welcome to Quito — a city of rich history, stunning views, and timeless charm.
Our Private and personalized Quito Day Tour will start from your hotel at 09am. Our private transportation and National bilingual guide will pick you up from your location and our guide will give you a great introduction of the Quito City from a local market. Mercado Santa Clara
we’ll visit a real local market with fruits, veggies, roses, and much more that will give you a true sense of the richness of our country. Let yourself be swept away by the smell of the roses, the taste of the fruits, and the colors of products grown in different natural regions. We’ll do a fruit tasting and also get a glimpse of everyday life in Quito.
The Teleferico (cable Car), the best viewerpoint of the capital. We will drive to the cable car north-west part of Quito. It will take us 20 minutes to get there. We will take the cable car and get to 4.050m. (13200ft) hiking trails, swing of the clouds, vegetation and fauna of the Andes Mountains are part of this great adventure.
BASILICA DEL VOTO NACIONAL
The best stiles of art and amazing views This is the best representation of the new gotic architecture stile in Quito. Our guide will give you an explanation of the exterior of this building and you'll have opportinity to go up to the towers. Right there, an amazing view of Old town of Quito and other representative places of the
INTIÑAN MUSEUM REAL EQUATOR
here you live the culture. The main objective of Intiñan Museum is to rescue the ancestral worldview and the ethnological habitat of Mitad del Mundo. Some great experiments will help you to understand efects in the equator line. We will suggest some great options for lunch in different restaurants with local cousine.
Old town plazas and Churches Well Conserved Historic Center in South America. The independence square, monuments, catholic buildings with different kind of art stiles, paintings, scultures, museums, colonial houses, are part of this heratige. A walking tour with our specialized guide will be the best opportunity to understand better history of the city and the country.
We start our Mindo Cloud Forest Birding Hiking and Waterfalls Day Tour at 08.00am. Our private transportation and National Tour Guide Certified will pick you up from your location and we are ready to go to the Mindo Cloud Forest Birding Hiking and Waterfalls Day Tour. We will head towards the northwest of Pichincha Province, crossing some climatic floors.
The Pululahua Geobotanic Reserve is our fisrt stop. A protected area by the Ecuadorian Government just fifty minutes away from Quito City. This is an active Volcano where people live in to this majestic natural reserve. From a viewpoint, we will observe some elevations formed by the last eruption, native plants like bromeliads, orchids, medicinal plants and fauna.
Driving by Calacali – La Independecia road for one hour more, we get to San Tadeo Birding Sanctuary. Would your like to feed Hummingbirds from your hands? This is the best place. Toucans, Tanagers Feeders. Aguties, squirrels, orchids, bromeliads are part of this Amazing Experience. bring binoculars, cámara have a good zoom.
Mariposas de Mindo, A Butterfly Farm is the next stop where we will learn about the butterflies anatomy, reproduction, in their natural state. Hummingbird feeders are the best option in a small trail if you are interested in photography. We will continue our journey to hike in the cloud forest.
Cascadas Nambillo. A short Drive to get to this beautiful paradise. Once there, we will take a CABLE to pass to other section of the Cloud forest and take a hike to the waterfalls Nambillo or ruta de las Cascadas. A good place for Birding and Hiking
In fact, we are ready for lunch in a great, quite, and beautiful place recommended by our Guide.
Yumbos Chocolate. An artisanal Chocolate Maker.
Finally, and after Lunch, a relaxing activity is learning, Tasting, the best artesanal chocolate you never mind. Yumbos is the best spot in Mindo for it.
Overnight in Mindo
Mindo Cloud forest is considered like a hot spot in biodiversity.
We will start activities very early for birdwatching. We will take a birding route with a local guide who will explain different bid species of the area. Good to take stunning photos.
We will be back to the hotel for breakfast.
Check out and we will drive to our next place, Papallacta Hot springs.
Enjoy nature in the Andes Mountains.
Leaving at 12pm from your hotel. We will have a significant stop in a Roses farm. 2 hours from Mindo. This place gives us a plus to understand much better why Ecuador is so colorful. We have the chance to see all the processes about this exportation product to over the world and learn about quality of roses. One hour ride to get to termas Papallacta hot springs but in the way some stops to see Andean condor, bears and some interesting forest of the highlands.
Papallacta Hot springs
Time to spend in the hot springs.
Our hotel provides some beautiful hot springs in the complex and around our rooms too, but also you have a chance to take a time in the SPA for a massage (doesn't include) overnight in Papallacta
Full- Day Birdwatching Antisana National Park .
Our private transportation and guide will pick you up from your hotel at 08am and will Drive to the east loop of the andes mountains. Antisana National Park is the best spot for Birdwatching. This is the Andean Condor home. A big cliff in the mountains ia where condors nesting. We will stop in Tambo condor lodge. This beautiful project has some feeders where we can see the giant hummingbird and other beautiful species. Chacana reserve from jocotoco Foundation is the best spot for Condors. We will take a reasonable time for birdwatching.
We will continue to La Mica Lake and more andean birds species ( cara caras, black face Ibis, andean Lapwing, andean Fox, white teal dear, coots, andean ducks)
We will take our lunch in Tambo Condor and then drive to Cotopaxi National Park
Overnight in Cotopaxi tambopaxi
A Scenic Journey Through the Authentic Andes
Our adventure to Cotopaxi begins at the northern entrance of the national park, following a peaceful route through traditional agricultural and cattle ranching haciendas. Far from the usual tourist paths, this scenic drive offers stunning views of the Andean highlands in their most authentic form—rolling landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and open skies.
Along the way, we’ll make several stops to photograph the incredible Cotopaxi landscapes, with plenty of time to take in the views.
Regarding our itinerary, option 1 we Will take the Horse Riding first. 1.30hours in the highlands above 13000ft in the flat area, accompanied for local cowboys. It is the best introduction to this beautiful landscape. Option 2 sto Domingo lake visit
Our main walk will be a pleasant 1.5-hour hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon, located at 3,700 meters above sea level. This is a great opportunity to spot native Andean bird species and enjoy the peaceful beauty of this high-altitude lake.
After the hike, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then continue our journey toward the charming city of Baños.
In the afternoon, explore the heart of Baños by visiting its beautiful main cathedral, then take time to wander through the colorful local market, where you can discover traditional foods, crafts, and the vibrant spirit of this charming town.
Overnight in Baños
waiting to begin your journey to Baños. Enjoy a scenic drive through lush landscapes, passing rivers and stunning waterfalls along the way—a truly unforgettable experience.
In the afternoon, breathtaking views at iconic landmarks like the Swing at the End of the World, the Manos de la Pachamama, and the famous Tree House (La Casa del Árbol). Unwind with a rejuvenating visit to the local thermal baths (termas) and pamper yourself with spa treatments and relaxing massages, the perfect way to end a day full of nature and discovery. OVERNIGHT Baños
Our cultural journey through the Ecuadorian Andes began with a visit to La Balbanera, the first Catholic church built in Ecuador. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Chimborazo, this peaceful site marks the beginning of colonial influence—but it also stands as a silent witness to the deep-rooted Indigenous presence that has long shaped the region. We then made our way to the heart of Indigenous life at the Guamote Market, where the vibrant traditions of the Kichwa people come alive. Dressed in colorful handwoven garments, locals gather not only to trade produce and crafts, but also to maintain social ties and preserve ancestral customs that date back centuries.
One of the most thrilling parts of our experience was the Devil’s Nose Train Ride—a marvel of engineering carved into the steep cliffs of the Andes. While the train ride itself is dramatic, it’s the stories of Indigenous workers and communities along the tracks that give the route its deeper meaning. From there, we traveled to the ancient Ingapirca Ruins, Ecuador’s most important Inca archaeological site. Here, the fusion of Cañari and Inca cultures is etched in stone—evidence of spiritual and architectural traditions that predate European colonization.
By evening, we arrived in the beautiful city of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Indigenous heritage, colonial history, and modern life coexist in a vibrant cultural mosaic. Overnight in
Cuenca: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cuenca, one of the most beautiful and iconic cities in Ecuador, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.
During our visit, we'll explore its most important plazas, admire its most emblematic cathedral, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Turi viewpoint. We'll also visit Chordeleg, a charming magical town renowned for its exquisite handcrafted jewelry made with fine gold and silver filigree.
An unforgettable experience that blends history, culture, and art in the heart of southern Ecuador.
Overnight in Cuenca Mansion de Alcazar
El Chorro de Girón Waterfall – A Natural Treasure Near Cuenca
Discover the stunning El Chorro de Girón Waterfall, a hidden gem just 1 hour and 30 minutes from the heart of Cuenca, on the scenic route to Machala.
The highlight of this destination is its breathtaking 40-meter waterfall, surrounded by lush forest. From the parking area, a gentle 30-minute walk through beautiful nature trails leads you to this unforgettable sight.
Be sure to bring waterproof clothing and an extra change of clothes to fully enjoy the experience without worries.
After enjoying a delicious local lunch, we’ll return to Cuenca for some free time and relaxation, as we prepare for the next day’s longer journey to Guayaquil.
Cuenca to Guayaquil
As we descend from the majestic Andes, your journey unfolds toward the stunning Ecuadorian coast. En route, indulge in an exclusive visit to exquisite banana and cacao plantations—Ecuador’s prized gems on the world export stage. Witness the meticulous harvesting, fermenting, and drying processes that transform these premium crops into global treasures.
Upon arrival in Guayaquil, settle into your elegant accommodations before embarking on a curated city tour. Discover the enchanting Iguana Park, enjoy a sophisticated stroll along the refined Malecón 2000, and ascend the vibrant Santa Ana Hill to savor panoramic vistas steeped in rich history.
Overnight in Guayaquil, where comfort and elegance await.
Flight Guayaquil - San Cristobal TRANFER IN + VISITA AL JUNCO, GALAPAGUERA Y PUERTO CHINO overnight San Cristobal
Brief local tour: A transportation awaits us to take us to visit Junco Lagoon, a beautiful lagoon formed in an impermeable volcanic crater that has filled with water over thousands of years. It is a place where birds clean their feathers from the saltwater. Afterward, we will head to the Galapaguera Interpretation Center, where we will learn about the species of tortoises native to this island.
SNORKELING
This magnificent islet in the middle of the ocean rises 500 feet and has the shape of a giant sleeping lion, hence its name. The rocks are remnants of a vertical formation of tuff stone and are a favorite place for various species of seabirds. It is one of the best sites for snorkeling, and you will be able to observe blacktip sharks, whitetip sharks, Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and a variety of fish.
As a complementary site, we will visit one of the beaches that can only be reached by sea on San Cristobal Island, such as Cerro Brujo or Manglesito.
15:00-17:00 INTERPRETATION CENTER
It takes conservation contexts and us through the history of the Islands, in their natural, human. The Natural History Room explains a series of natural circumstances such as the volcanic origin of the islands, its distance from the continent, its marine currents, its special climate, the arrival of different species. The Human History Room narrates chronologically the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of Galapagos. In addition, the reality of today's Galapagos is exposed: the problem and the struggle of various institutions and people to conserve Galapagos.
Cerro
Named for the local frigates, whose tail ends in the shape of scissors. It is the ideal place to enjoy a spectacular view of the white sand beaches. At the top, 200 meters above sea level, there is a panoramic view that Darwin and the expedition group used as a geographical location for their travels. From this area, you can see the islet of León Dormido, Isla Lobos, Cerro Brujo, Puerto Baquerizo, Bahía Naufragio, Punta Carola beach and Santa Fe Island. The flora of Cerro Tijeretas is considered an extraordinary example of biological evolution. Among the native plants that can be seen are: cacti, red mangroves, with their typical aerial roots.
Upon arrival at Española Island we will disembark at Punta Suárez. On the Española island, the volcanic sediments that formed the island have given rise to winding terrain. Wear comfortable shoes with a thick sole to make the journey comfortable, and reserve flip-flops for the beach. Its
abrupt surface is the reason why iguanas and birds inhabit the island, since it has prevented other species that may pose a threat from visiting it.
In Punta Suárez we will see two seesights. On the one hand, a beautiful square of fine sand and crystal clear waters; on the other hand, the rocky terrain is inhabited by an important colony of iguanas endemic to the Island.
After appreciating this beautiful landscape that Punta Suárez gives us, we will make a 2-hour walk, where we will visit the island’s cliffs, and then enter the island to the places that the guides know and where the Albatross colonies of Galapagos usually settle. For bird lovers, the Isla Española Tour is essential during your vacations in the Galapagos Islands.
Española island is the best place to see the Galapagos Albatros, an endemic species of the islands and the great attraction of this tour. You can also spot other birds such as the Nazca Booby, Blue Footed Boobies and Finches. During the entire tour you will see a large number of specimens, and in the case of the Blue Footed Boobies, you will be able to enjoy them very closely, since they are birds that do not have any shame in front of the human being.
During our walking along the coast, you will also have the opportunity to appreciate the geysers that form when the waves enter at high speed within the rocks.
A show that will catch your attention.
Snorkeling Gardner Rock
After the walk around the Española island, we will return to the boat. It will take approximately half an hour, to arrive at the Gardner rock. Among its winding rocks is a place where a colony of sea lions usually choose in their search for food. Here we will snorkelwith them, and we will enjoy its games and the underwater vegetation of this area.
Gardner Bay Beach
We will finish Española Island Tour in Gardner Bay, where we will enjoy a well-deserved rest. This beach is undoubtedly an ideal place for it. Its fine sand and crystal clear waters will put a perfect end to this tour, which you will surely find hard to forget. It is considered one of the top beaches in the Galapagos Islands
06H25 – 9H30: FERRY SAN CRISTÓBAL – SANTA CRUZ
11H25 – 13H00: Charles Darwin Research Station
The Charles Darwin Scientific Station is located in Puerto Ayora. Together with a naturalist guide from the Galapagos National Park, you will learn about the breeding center and all the conservation programs in which they work to care for the flora and fauna species of the islands. You'll take a tour through the interpretive center where you can see turtles in all stages of their growth, ending with a visit to Lonesome George.
PM: 15H00 – 17H00 HIGHLAND TOUR
MOUNTAIN TOUR / The first site of visit will be The Twins, are two craters formed by collapsing the surface of gigantic air rooms, trapped as air bubbles, one on each side of the road for which it has this name.
Here you have the opportunity to see the famous Escalesia Forest, an endemic plant of the Galapagos Islands and one of the favorite habitats of the Darwin finches, you will also be able to see birds like the mary canary and the flycatcher (Pájaro Brujo).
The next stop will be Rancho, a private estate where the famous TORTOISES live in a natural state. They prefer the high parts of the islands where the climate is cooler and wetter because they will find n more food and enough water. Near this place are LAVA TUNNELS that were a river, where hot lava flowed. In this ranch, we will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch
The visit begins at La Loberia Islet, named after the colony of sea lions that lives there. The snorkeling activity allows you to observe a variety of fish species, and you can also swim with the sea lions.
Punta Estrada is the second ideal visiting site to observe terns, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, etc.
Canal de Tintoreras, accessed by walking along the channel, where White Tip Sharks (Tintoreras) are found, accompanied by a spectacular view of the entire island.
Playa de los Perros, named after the species of dog crab that is found in the place, you can see nests of iguanas and colonies of them with a great view of the bay.
Finally, Las Grietas, are gigantic walls resulting from lava formations crossed by an arm of brackish water, a perfect place for snorkeling activities.
PM: 14H30 – 14:15– 17:00 VISIT TO TORTUGA BAY BEACH
transfer out Flight Baltra - Quito. Arriving in Quito 4pm
Overnight in Quito
After a rewarding 30-minute flight over the
eastern Andean mountain range to reach
the city of Puerto Francisco Orellana "El
Coca," followed by a 10-minute transfer in
private transportation, we will welcome you
at our private dock. Here, you will have the
opportunity to take a break, use the
restrooms, enjoy a refreshing drink, and
receive a boxed lunch for the journey.
From this point, an exciting two-hour
journey begins along the imposing Napo
River on our covered motorized boats to
the welcome area of the Napo Wildlife
Center. At this location, we will switch to
one of our rowing canoes, with our staff
taking care of paddling while you enjoy a
magical and tranquil ride through a narrow
creek that leads us to the lodge located at
the foot of a beautiful lagoon.
During this approximately two-hour
journey, there is the possibility of observing
some monkey and bird species such as
toucans, parrots, and even macaws.
Upon arriving in the afternoon at the
Napo Wildlife Center, we will be greeted
with an impressive view of the
Añangucocha lagoon. Upon our arrival,
you will be welcomed with a refreshing
drink and snacks, followed by a brief
informative session about your stay with us
by the administrator. Then, he will guide
you to your comfortable room
overlooking the jungle.
In the evening, one of our guides will
provide a comprehensive explanation of
the activities to be carried out over the
following days while you enjoy exclusive
access to Yasuní National Park offered by
community-managed projects.
Meals: -/Box Lunch/Dinner
The day begins early as we head towards
the most accessible parrot salt licks in
Ecuador, located approximately an hour
and a half from the lodge. Guests arrive
just before the start of the morning parrot
activity. Here, up to five species of
parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be
spotted, including the blue-headed
parrot, orange-cheeked parrot,
yellow-crowned parrot, dusky-headed
parakeet, and white-eyed parakeet.
Subsequently, we venture along a forest
trail to visit the Kichwa Interpretation
Center "Kuri Muyu," managed by the
women of the local community. Here,
visitors have the opportunity to immerse
themselves in Kichwa culture, learning
about their music, traditions, and
traditional use of natural resources.
Additionally, you can explore the craft
shop, where local residents display and
sell their unique creations, thereby
supporting their creativity and work.
We continue our excursion through a lush
terra firme forest for about 30 minutes until
we reach the second parrot, parakeet,
and macaw salt lick. If weather conditions
are favorable, we will also have the
opportunity to observe different species of
birds and mammals.
After enjoying a revitalizing lunch, we
begin our return to the lodge via the main
creek, where there is the possibility of
observing various species of birds and
mammals.
A delicious dinner awaits you in the evening
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the
lodge, we will embark on an exciting
dawn walk to the observation tower in
the forest canopy, located in the
influence area of the Napo River. The
observation tower, standing at 36 meters
tall, is just 30 minutes away from the lodge
and was built to the highest standards of
quality and safety.
During the ascent of the tower's 12 floors,
visitors will have the wonderful opportunity
to contemplate the tropical forest
canopy and its diverse levels teeming
with fantastic biodiversity. Upon reaching
the top, they will reach a platform in the
crown of an imposing Ceibo tree, from
where they can enjoy an exceptional
landscape.
From this elevated position, visitors can
observe flocks of colorful tanagers,
macaws, toucans, monkeys, and other
species active in the early hours of the
morning. This unique experience allows
one to delight in wildlife from the treetops,
providing a privileged view of the
Amazon rainforest.
Our tower offers the best experience in
the Ecuadorian Amazon: flocks of colorful
tanagers crisscross the canopy, blue and
yellow macaws fly close by, while spider
monkeys forage for fruits. Two species of
large toucans call in the early mornings
and evenings, and life in the forest
canopy unfolds before your eyes. Birds,
practically invisible from the forest floor,
suddenly are within your reach.
After enjoying lunch at the lodge, we will
explore a terra firme forest in the
afternoon. We will walk through lush
primary vegetation in search of varied
fauna, with the thrilling possibility of
encountering the unique and endemic
Golden-mantled Tamarin monkeys. After
the hike, we will explore the nearby lake
and streams in a canoe, with high hopes
of spotting a family of giant otters on our
journey.
At the lodge, you will also find a second
observation tower above the restaurant,
from where you can enjoy a beautiful
view of the lagoon and its surroundings.
After dinner, prepare with your flashlight
for a night hike. During this walk, you will
have the opportunity to observe a wide
variety of insects, reptiles, and
amphibians, and even a species of nocturnal monkeys
We will depart early to return to the
welcome area and change transportation
to the motorboat. During our journey
along the Añangu stream, we will enjoy
the morning sounds of nature as the
sunrise illuminates the landscape.
Afterwards, we will transfer to the
motorized boat to return to Coca. Upon
arrival, we will proceed with the check-in
for our return flight to Quito. The schedule
for this flight will be announced according
to arrangements and itineraries provided by the airline company
End of our services
